If your septic tank is backing up,Call the "Guys in the Clean Red Trucks!"

The line between the house and the septic tank is plugged.

Several factors can cause the line to plug. Roots can grow into the pipe and block it off. The dirt under the pipe can settle causing a sag in the pipe where solids can build up and cause a blockage. The pipe could become damaged by someone driving over it, crushing it. Heavy paper usage can also cause a blockage.

The septic tank may be overfull with solids.

When waste enters your septic tank, the solids separate, the heavier solids sink to the bottom. Your lighter solids, such as fats, oils, grease and paper, float to the top and build a scum layer. If your tank is not properly maintained the scum layer can build up to a point where it covers your inlet pipe and waste can no longer enter the tank.

The outlet baffle could be plugged with roots or debris, or if there is an effluent filter installed it could be plugged with debris.

If you have trees near your septic tank, their roots can grow under the lids or in or around the outlet pipe and clog it up. If you have an effluent filter installed, it could be plugged with debris.

The line to the drainfield or the drainfield itself may be plugged or failing.

As with the line between the house and the septic tank, the same issues can cause a blockage between the septic tank and the drainfield. The drainfield itself can also have several issues that my cause it to fail. If there are trees growing on or around the drainfield, their roots may grow into the field or laterals plugging it up. If the septic system experiences heavy usage, suspended solids are transferred to the drainfield. Those suspended solids can cause the ground beneath the drainfield or the laterals themselves to plug. If vehicles were driven over the drainfield, it will cause the soil to compact and not let the effluent drain properly.

If you have a low pressure system, your Lift Pump may not be working.

Check the electrical connections, breakers, plugs etc. Lift pumps are mechanical and operate via float switches. If your pump is the type that is plugged in and not hardwired, look for a piggybacked plug (one plug plugged into the back of another plug). Remove both plugs from the outlet, then plug the back plug directly into the outlet. If the pump runs, you know it is a float switch problem. Let the pump run for 10-15 minutes, then unplug it. This will relieve the back up. Call us for permanent repair.